The Laboratory of Sustainable Waste Management Technologies (LSWMT) of the Hellenic Open
University (HOU), under the scientific supervision of Professor Ioannis Kalavrouziotis from the
School of Science and Technology, organized an International Conference titled “Environmental
Protection and Upgrading: Past, Present, and Future” in celebration of World Environment Day.
Held on June 5, 2025, the conference offered hybrid participation options enabling a broad and
inclusive exchange of ideas globally. The event brought together distinguished scientists from
around the world, who presented past practices, recent advancements, current challenges, and
innovative approaches in the field of environmental protection and upgrading.
The conference served as a platform to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among undergraduate and
postgraduate students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, academics, environmental
activists, journalists, and business leaders. Participants had the opportunity to explore and deepen
their understanding of emerging trends and sustainable practices in environmental management.
At the core of this initiative lies the conviction that understanding and critically evaluating past
environmental practices can provide meaningful insights and inspiration for future solutions. By
connecting historical perspectives with contemporary research, the conference emphasized the
potential for integrated, forward-thinking approaches to address pressing environmental
challenges.
Hellenic Open University
The Hellenic Open University (HOU), established in 1992 and based in Patras, Greece, is the
country’s only public institution dedicated to open and distance learning. The university actively
promotes research and innovation through its academic schools and specialized laboratories,
contributing significantly to fields such as sustainable development, digital education, and social
innovation. By organizing and hosting this conference, HOU reaffirms its commitment to
academic excellence, international collaboration, and the advancement of environmental research.
Ε-Proceedings. International Conference: “Environmental Protection and Upgrading: Past, Present and Future”
Laboratory of Sustainable Waste Management Technologies
Established in 2017 within the School of Science and Technology at the Hellenic Open University,
the Laboratory of Sustainable Waste Management Technologies (LSWMT) focuses on advancing
sustainable waste management through innovative methodologies. Its mission includes reducing
environmental waste disposal, promoting the reuse of waste in agriculture, supporting the bioeconomy, improving soil quality, and developing software tools for waste reuse.
LSWMT supports undergraduate and postgraduate education, fosters interdisciplinary research,
and collaborates with national and international institutions. It also assists local water authorities
in addressing practical operational challenges.
In addition to research and education, LSWMT organizes scientific events and publishes research.
The conference “Environmental Protection and Upgrading: Past, Present, and Future” was
organized with the aim of advancing knowledge, inspiring dialogue, and promoting innovation in
environmental protection and sustainable development. Furthermore, it was held in a hybrid
format, bringing together a diverse group of participants and ideas. To foster meaningful
discussions, distinguished scientists from around the world were invited, whose contributions
enriched knowledge exchange and strengthened international collaboration.
Institute for Yangtze River Culture Studies, Hubei University
The conference was co-organized with the valued collaboration of the Institute for Yangtze River
Culture Studies at Hubei University, a distinguished research institution committed to the
interdisciplinary study and preservation of the cultural, historical, and environmental heritage of
the Yangtze River region.
You can download E-proceedings EPI Conference from here